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New survey results show that while the vast majority of Ohioans hold a favorable attitude toward agriculture, many concerns about food, farming and the environment persist.

The second biennial Ohio Survey of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Issues was mailed to 3,500 Ohioans in the summer of 2004. For the 56 percent that were returned, obesity and water pollution were the top concerns.

According to Jeff Sharp, rural sociologist at Ohio State University, addressing consumer concerns was not in the job description for most farmers when they entered agriculture, but times are changing.

"Public relations is probably going to have be one of farmers’ leading activities," he said.

Tom Price, a Delaware County Farm Bureau member whose operation includes hogs, cattle and composting, said most farmers are doing a good job reaching out to the consumer. He added that the deposits into the "bank account of good will" that their parents and grandparents built must continue.

"We need to constantly be putting out good a good vibe," he said.

Sharp said it poses a challenge when public perception does not match scientific evidence. In the 2002 survey, 39 percent of respondents agreed that food is less safe than it was 10 years ago. That number rose to 47 percent in 2004.

"Despite the fact that the food system is safer than ever before, consumers are not making the connection there," Sharp said. "We need to be sensitive that people see it as a concern."

There was plenty of good news for farmers though. Up 8 percent from the 2002 results, 67 percent of respondents said they trust Ohio farmers to protect the environment. In addition, 90 percent said that farming positively contributes to the quality of life in Ohio. More than half were concerned about loss of farmland, and nearly 60 percent said they would be willing to pay more for locally grown foods.

Sharp expected positive attitudes to continue but noted that many feelings are directed toward open space and recreation, not agricultural production. He said Ohio faces unique conflicts because of the close proximity of urban and agricultural regions.

"As we look into the crystal ball its going to become a lot more challenging," he said. He added that in the long term, information from this and future surveys will help identify trends and provide a more timely response to arising concerns.

For now, Price said although farmers are busy, it is important to take time to visit with nonfarm neighbors and to educate young people about agriculture, because many are three to four generations removed from the farm.

"I think we could build partnerships with the emerging consumer more than we think," he said.

Demographics of survey respondents closely matched Ohio’s population, except they tended to be slightly more educated, reported higher home values and included a smaller proportion of African-Americans.

Rising Obesity Among Americans – 69 percent
Pollution of Ohio’s rivers, streams and groundwater – 65 percent
Loss of family farms – 55 percent
Loss of farmland as a result of urban growth – 54 percent
Genetic modification of animals – 42 percent
Mad cow disease – 33 percent
Genetic modification of plants – 29 percent
Global warming or greenhouse effect – 29 percent
Large-scale poultry and livestock development – 29 percent

Caption: Jeff Sharp discusses the survey results at the Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers Congress.